Add-on armor system for armored vehicles

ABSTRACT

A multi-plate armor system used as an add-on armor in the armored vehicles, especially military vehicles. More specifically, disclosed is an armor system which, having a structure that will not be affected from impacts as well as having weight values acceptable for industry standards per unit area (kg/m 2 ), at least two plates positioned to the armored vehicle body with a specific distance between them, allows the resulting destructive effect to be felt in the large surface with minimal damage by deflecting the impact direction of the ballistic threat such as bullets, spall etc.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a multi-plate armor system used as an add-on armor in the armored vehicles, especially military vehicles.

More specifically, the present invention relates to an armor system which, having at least two plates positioned with a specific distance between them, allows the resulting destructive effect to be felt in the large surface with minimal damage by deflecting the impact direction of the ballistic threat such as bullets, projectile, spall etc.

PRIOR ART

With the rapidly developing weapon technology of today, security problems have also reached to the maximum level. Besides, the armor technology used in the military vehicles has started to attract interest of people who, having an economic situation above a certain level, want to feel safer. As a result of using high quality material and the latest technology R&D studies, the costs of these vehicles are quite high.

One of the biggest problems encountered in the armored vehicles, especially in the military vehicles in the defense industry, is weight. Rapid operation, fast repair and light weight are the main criteria of the military vehicles. Although various efforts have been made in the prior art to reduce weight, an effective solution has not been introduced due to cost constraints. This situation put forth the require for an armor system that has the structure able to eliminate ballistic threats such as bullets, projectile, spall etc. and shows acceptable weight per unit surface area (kg/m²) regarding industry-standards.

In the document U.S. Pat. No. 7,513,186B2, two-layered add-on armor structure is explained under the title ‘Ballistic armor’. In the armor structure mentioned here, the first armor panel requires a laborious and difficult repair procedure after each shot taken. Also, the armor structure mentioned here is a 94 kg/m² armor with a metal panel having thickness of 8 mm, additional ceramic structure and a second perforated plate and, these values are not acceptable in industry standards. Besides, for replacement of the armor elements damaged after that any ballistic element such as bullet, and spall hit the armor structure, the armor must be replaced as a whole. This is only possible in a comprehensive repair-shop. Due to its weight and the requirement for moving as a whole, it takes three days to move it from the site where the shot stroke is taken to the repair-shop, to repair and to remove it back to the site. Considering how valuable the time is in the cases such as war, the period for repairing the armored vehicle mentioned the document U.S. Pat. No. 7,513,186 is quite a lot.

In the document U.S. Pat. No. 8,739,675B2, an armor panel system having a bullet deflection section with an outwardly facing surface is explained under the title ‘Armor panel system to deflect incoming projectiles’. The projectile deflection section mentioned in this document consists of a material in parallel layers arranged at an angle that is not parallel to the outer surface. Non-parallel angles deflect an incoming projectile before it enters within the material or during it travels through the material. However, although the solutions mentioned in the patent document U.S. Pat. No. 8,739,675B2 are costly and difficult to apply, they fail to provide the expected ballistic protection.

In the document U.S. Pat. No. 8,234,965B2, an armor plate for usage in the ballistic protection of a structure against bullets incoming from an expected threat is explained under the title ‘Armor plate’. However, although auxiliary armor plates are mentioned in the patent document U.S. Pat. No. 8,234,965B2, the document does not mention about their structures, distances between them and advantages they will bring.

In the patent document US20040216595A1, a metallic armor assembly formed by adhering the backing portion on the durable metallic protective layer is mentioned under the title ‘Formed metal armor assembly’. The metallic protective layer has a reduced effective density of approximately %20 to reduce the weight of the assembly without reducing effectiveness of defeating ballistic threats. The backing portion having at least one layer containing fiber composite substrate is selected to have a predetermined thickness to be effective against predetermined penetration threats.

In the document DE3820342A1, under the title ‘Armor plate’ there is an invention related to armor structures used in structures similar to ATM safes. The armor structure mentioned in this document comprises a base plate, a perforated plate fastened to the base plate, a cover plate attached to the perforated plate, gaps that are alternately filled with specific layer structures and bounded by base plate, perforated plate, covered plate.

As a result, the need for an armor system which, having a structure defeating impacts of ballistic threat as well as showing weight values acceptable for industry standards per unit area, allows the resulting destructive effect to be felt in the large surface with minimal damage by deflecting the impact direction of the ballistic threat such as bullets, projectile, spall etc., caused the present innovative solution to occur.

Objectives and Short Description of the Invention

Aim of the present invention is to present an double-plate armor system which, having a structure defeating impact effect of the ballistic threat such as bullets, projectile, spall etc. as well as showing weight values acceptable for industry standards per unit area, allows the resulting destructive effect to be felt in the large surface with minimal damage by deflecting the direction of impact.

Another aim of the invention is to present an armor system providing an acceptable or lower (lightness) weight value per unit surface area (kg/m²) according to industry standards while providing the necessary resistance against ballistic impacts.

Another aim of the invention is to present an add-on armor system comprising a second plate that is made of armor steel and positioned at a certain second distance to mentioned armored vehicle body, a first plate that is made of armor steel with perforation structures on it and positioned at a certain first distance to the outer portion of mentioned second plate for being positioned outside the existing armored vehicle body of armored vehicle, especially military vehicles.

In the preferred embodiments of the present innovative armor system, mentioned gaps can be filled with a low density thermoset, thermoplastic or elastomer based material, although they are preferably filled with air.

In the preferred embodiment of the present innovative armor system, the first gap interval (first distance) and second gap interval (second distance) are equal to each other. However, it is also possible to use the first gap interval and second gap interval as being unequal to each other. In these cases too, the armor system can defeat the impact effects of ballistic threats.

In a preferred embodiment of the present innovative armor system, the first gap interval and second gap interval are in the range of 20-80 millimeters; in another preferred embodiment, they are in the range of 25-40 millimeters.

In the preferred embodiment of the present innovative armor system, the thicknesses of the first plate and the second plate are equal to each other. However, it is also possible to use the thickness of first plate and second plate as being unequal to each other. In these cases too, the armor system can defeat the impact/shock effects of ballistic threats.

In a preferred embodiment of the present innovative armor system, the thicknesses of first plate and second plate are in the range of 2-10 millimeters; in another preferred embodiment, they are in the range of 3-6 millimeters.

In the preferred embodiment of the present innovative armor system, the thicknesses of the first plate and second plate is preferably 4 millimeters.

In the preferred embodiment of the present innovative armor system, the perforations are in form of round, slit or elliptical.

The preferred embodiment of the present innovative armor system comprises a third plate associated to said second plate with a third gap containing any filler material or without this gap between them.

The preferred embodiment of the present innovative armor system comprises at least two or more plates.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In FIG. 1 , a representative view of present innovative armor structure designed to defeat the threats identified at level 3 or 4 of NATO Stanag 4569 standard, is given.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1. Armor system

10. First plate

11. Perforation

20. Second plate

D1. First distance

D2. Second distance

B. Ballistic threat

Z. Armored vehicle body

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an armor system (1) which, having a structure that will not be affected from ballistic threats (B) such as bullets, projectile, spall etc. as well as providing advantage in weight by showing weight values acceptable for industry standards per unit area (kg/m²), having multi-plates designed for ballistic protection, allows the resulting destructive effect to be felt in the large surface with minimal damage by deflecting the impact direction of the ballistic threat (B). More specifically, the present invention is a double-plate (at least) armor system (1) which, as being internal and external, are connected to the armor of the armored vehicle body (Z) with a certain distance between them.

In the conventional armor configurations, weight reduction is not possible without compromising from the resistance against impact. Thanks to the present innovative armor system (1), it has become possible to provide weight values acceptable for industry standards per unit area (kg/m²) of the armored vehicle on which the system is applied, without compromising from the resistance against impact.

The present innovative armor system (1) disclosed herein comprises; an armored vehicle body (Z) produced according to predetermined standards, a second plate (20) made of ballistic armor steel, a first plate (10) which, made of armor steel and containing perforation (11) structures, is placed on outside of mentioned second plate (20) and predetermined distances or gaps (first distance (D1) and second distance (D2) between three armor elements (armored vehicle body (Z), first plate (10), second plate (20)). The first plate (10), which is the first contact of the threat (ballistic impact element) by locating at the outermost part of the armor system (1), has a structure containing perforations (11). Mentioned second plate (20) is positioned for conventional armor purposes and better defense and, it is a sturdy flat plate.

Mentioned first plate (10) in the form of perforated plate is designed to defect the incoming ballistic threat (B) from its original path. Said first plate (10) reduces the vertical momentum of the ballistic threat (B) to the second plate (20), thanks to its design. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a third plate or coating may be applied onto said second plate (20).

The present innovative armor system (1), which is configured to change the momentum direction of the ballistic threat (B) deflected by first plate (10) and second plate (20), is positioned to the armored vehicle body (Z) with a certain distance (spacing). A first distance (D1) is configured between the first plate (10) and the second plate (20). A second distance (D1), which is configured between the armored vehicle body (Z) and the second plate (20), is determined for greatly increasing the defense capacity, namely the armor capacity. In the alternative embodiments of the invention, said first distance (D1) and second distance (D2) can be filled with some materials such as thermoset, thermoplastic, elastomer or composite panels etc. However, in the result of tests done, it was found that such a filling material has not a dominant effect on the defense character, namely on the armor character.

The present innovative armor system (1) disclosed herein has multiple advantages. The first advantage is to obtain a desired level of armor defense capacity with the light structure. For example; NATO STANAG Level 3 add-on armor can be obtained with a weight less than 60 kg (in accordance with industry standards) per unit surface area (kg/m²) by using steel. Besides, it has been determined in the result of ballistic tests done, it provides up to four times more multi-hit performance compared to equivalent composite and ceramic based light armor solutions. The low weight makes it possible that plates may be carried by manpower and that bolt-nut pair can be used for easy replacement thanks to the bushing connection.

The most important parameters of the invention are the distances between plates, the thickness values of the plates and the perforation (11) structures on the first plate (10). Thanks to the present innovative armor system (1), the ballistic threat (B) is prevented from holing the armor system (1) while a great resistance contribution to the armored vehicle body (Z) is achieved.

In the preferred embodiment of the present innovative armor system (1), the first plate (10) and the second plate (20) are connected to the armored vehicle body (Z) by means of a bushing. In the alternative embodiments, the second plate (20) is connected to the armored vehicle body (Z) with multiple bushings and the first plate (10) is connected to the second plate (20) by another bushing set. In the case of using the third plate, it is possible that all plates are connected to the armored vehicle body (Z) in the same position by means of the same bushings or that the third plate is connected to the first plate (10) by using a further set of bushings. ‘Bushing’ expression means cylindrical (or similar form) parts that can be welded or bolt-nut pair that can fix the plates, and it is also possible to apply other connection methods and materials. There is no restriction on the number of plates, number of connections, connection type and/or size, and it is possible to use their alternative structures and combinations according to the request of the user. The present innovative armor system (1) does not require the user to make a permanent choice. Multiple sheets or plates can be added to the same point on the plain or to other points on the different locations. In the alternative embodiments of the invention using three or more plates, it is preferred that at least one outer plate (first plate (10)) on the outside is perforates and that the innermost plate is a tough plate. In the embodiment of the invention using two-plates, the second plate (20) is connected to the armored vehicle body (Z) via bushings. In the preferred embodiment of the invention using two-plates, the second distance (D2), which is the gap between the armored vehicle body (Z) and second plate (20), is in the range of 20-80 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, this distance is in the range of 25-40 millimeters. After leaving the second distance (D2), the second plate (20) made of armor steel having hardness value of 500 HB or more than 500 HB is fixed to the armored vehicle body (Z) via bushings. In this embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the second plate (20) is in the range of 2-10 millimeters. In the preferred embodiment, this thickness is in the range of 3-6 millimeters. The most preferred thickness of the second plate (20) is 4 millimeters. Said first plate (10) is connected to the second plate (20) with mentioned first distance (D1) between them via bushings. The first distance (D1) and second distance (D2) are preferably equal to each other. Namely, the first distance (D1), which is the gap between the second plate (20) and the first plate (10), is in the range of 20-80 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, this first distance (D1) is in the range of 25-40 millimeters. In another preferred embodiment, the first distance (D1) and second distance (D2) are 40 millimeters. After leaving first distance (D1), the first plate (10) made of armor steel having hardness value of 500 HB or more than 500 HB is fixed to the second plate (20) or directly to the armored vehicle body (Z), via bushings. The thicknesses of the first plate (10) and second plate (20) are preferably equal to each other. Namely, the thickness of first plate (10) is range of 2-10 millimeters. In the preferred embodiment, this thickness of the first plate (10) is in the range of 3-6 millimeters. The most preferred thickness of the first plate (10) is 4 millimeters. The perforations (11) on the first plate (10), as already mentioned, function as multiple slits to deflect throughout a certain distance the ballistic threat or impact incoming to armored vehicle body (Z). Thanks to the multiple slits, the trajectory of the threat is changed and it is provided that the impact causes less damage by spreading over wider area on the vehicle body (Z). The radius of the perforations (11) is smaller from the diameter of ballistic threat (B) (bullet, projectile, spall, etc.) hitting onto present innovative add-on armor system (1) or preferably equal to the half of it.

The armor steel used in the production of first plate (10) and second plate (20) in the present innovative armor system (1) is produced in accordance with one of the standards used in the armored vehicle industry.

The following examples are given for these armor materials to provide a better understanding of the present invention and to interpret the protection scope established by claims without adding any narrowing meaning. These examples are working configurations of the invention, namely configurations providing desired conditions, and they passed the certain NATO tests in international accredited laboratories.

The armor steels used in the armored vehicle body (Z) are made with a thickness of 4-10 mm from the material produced in MIL-A 46100, MIL-DTL-12560, TL 2350-0000 Quality O&Z, Def Stan 95-24 Class 1-2-3-4, NF A36-800-1 THD 1&CLA standards. However, the armored vehicle body (Z), which is an element of the present innovative armor system (1), is not limited to these armor steels.

The armor steels used in the first plate (10) and second plate (20) are made with a thickness of 4-6 mm for providing NATO Stanag 4569 Level 3 or with a thickness of 4-10 mm for providing NATO Stanag 4569 Level 4, from the materials in the MIL-DTL 32332 Class 1&2, TL 2350-0000 Quality T, Def Stan 95-24 Class 5, NF A36-800-1 THD 4&5 standards. However, the armor steels used in the present innovative armor system (1) is not limited to these.

The distances between mentioned plates can be preferred in the different sizes according to the target resistance capacity. For example, in the present innovative armor system (1) configuration providing NATO Stanag 4569 Level 3 standard, the first distance (D1) and second distance (D2) are kept in the range of 20-60 mm. The present innovative armor system (1) in the this preferences of size and armor steel has passed successfully the endurance and penetration tests. As another example, in the present innovative armor system (1) configuration providing NATO Stanag 4569 Level 4 standard, the first distance (D1) and second distance (D2) are kept in the range of 20-80 mm.

The perforations (11) on said first plate (10) are configured with at least one of the circle, round, slit or elliptical shapes. In the preferred embodiment, mentioned perforations (11) are in the circle form. These circles are formed in the format R5T8, R6T10, R10T15 and etc. on the first plate (10), here ‘R’ means the diameter, ‘T’ means the distance between the two circle centers. The preferred structure is in the format R5T8. However, the present innovative armor system (1) cannot be limited by the perforation sizes and shapes specified herein. It is important that the first plate (10) has a perforated structure.

In the another embodiment of the invention, there is usage of a perforated or non-perforated third armor plate or coating that are made of tough steel. Mentioned third armor plate can be connected to second plate (20) with a third distance containing any filling material or without this third distance between them. However, since the desired level of defense capacity is provided with two plate layers, the usage of a third layer causes an unnecessary additional weight. 

1. An add-on armor system for being positioned outside the existing armored vehicle body of an armored vehicle, especially military vehicles, the armor system comprising: a second plate that is made of armor steel and positioned at a certain second distance to the armored vehicle body; a first plate that is made of armor steel with perforation structures on it and positioned at a certain first distance to the outer portion of said second plate.
 2. An armor system according to claim 1, wherein the first distance and second distance are in the range of 20-80 millimeters.
 3. An armor system according to claim 1, wherein the first distance and second distance are in the range of 25-40 millimeters.
 4. An armor system according to claim 1, and wherein the first distance and second distance are 40 millimeters.
 5. An armor system according claim 1, wherein the first distance and second distance are equal to each other.
 6. An armor system according to claim 1, wherein the thicknesses of the first plate and second plate are in the range of 2-10 millimeters.
 7. An armor system according to claim 1, and wherein the thicknesses of first plate and second plate are in the range of 3-6 millimeters.
 8. An armor system according to claim 1, wherein the thicknesses of the first plate and second plate are 4 millimeters.
 9. An armor system according to claim 1, wherein the thicknesses of the first plate and second plate are equal to each other.
 10. An armor system according to claim 1, wherein the perforations on said first plate are shaped with at least one of the forms of round, slit or elliptical.
 11. An armor system according to claim 1, wherein said perforations are round.
 12. An armor system according to claim 1, wherein gaps at the first distance and second distance are filled with air.
 13. An armor system according to claim 1, comprising a third plate associated to said second plate with a third gap containing any filler material or without this gap between them.
 14. An armor system according to claim 1, comprising two or more plates positioned with a certain interval. 